School Supplies You Didn’t Know You Needed, Until Now!

I get so excited during the summer when the Back to School sales start. I think it goes back to my childhood when my folks would take me to get my school supplies. We went to a store called Smitty’s and I would get to pick out a new pencil box, crayons, and a fresh jar of paste. Paste, yes paste. (I’m old.) The minty smell of back to school for me. Ahhh … memories.

As a teacher, back to school is still an exciting time. I love the prospect of a new year and even more, fresh supplies. I like to stock up on the usual items, but here is my list of school supplies you may have not thought you needed, but you do- ANYTIME of the year. These are the things I use everyday and a few splurges, but generally aren’t in the back to school aisle at WalMart.

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1. Book Rings- I use these puppies all the time for flip books and flash cards. Most projects take several, so I like to stock up. I like the 3/4″ size for most projects.

Bigger Rings:

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2. Cardstock- Another staple in my arsenal. Michael’s Craft Stores has great sales, but I get my basic white from Amazon.

3. Plastic bags for centers and games- These are my favorite. I prefer zip-top bags that will fit an 8-1/2 x 11″ game board. I also like the smaller ones for half-sheet games and smaller pieces. In the end, they aren’t much more than the baggies you get at the store, but they fit school stuff so much better.

4. Black Pocket Chart- I love mine for the simple fact that it goes with everything. I change my theme boards weekly, and I never have to worry about the color clashing. I am SO over primary colored pocket charts!

5. Shower Curtain Rings- I use these for my brag tags. My students clip them on their backpacks and add their brag tags as they go. They are more secure on a backpack than a book ring, and the pear-shape lends itself perfectly to the task.

8. Glue Dots- Have you heard of Glue Dots? They are my FAVORITE! I use them for all kinds of projects, but find them especially helpful when we are making projects with more dimensional things. I use them every year for our holiday projects too. Quick and easy… no wait time for the glue to dry. I always buy the bigger Dots and cut them in half for smaller projects. They have them in a neat dispenser now too, which is super cool!

9. Mr. Sketch Markers- I would be remiss if I didn’t mention my buddy Mr. Sketch. The markers are more widely available now, but did you know they have different scented packs? Hands down, the blue cheese is my favorite, and it is one of the stinky ones! I get so excited when new scents are released!